Can Democrats date (or marry) Republicans?

It’s hard for a day to pass without hearing people discuss (debate) the upcoming Presidential election. Earlier this week, a friend wrote me an email asking what a couple- with opposing political views- are to do. Will they last? Do different political viewpoints signify disparities that are much greater, and deeper?

Sure, couples like Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger work, but can everyone?

Linda Olson, a psychologist specializing in conflict management who calls herself “America’s Love Doctor” says love across the isle is possible. She points to such bi-partisan couples like Democratic commentator for CNN’s “The Situation Room” James Carville, and his wife Mary Matalin, a powerhouse Republican consultant. These two may have opposing world views outside of the home but according to Olson, it’s what goes on inside that counts.
Here are a few tips from Olson on how even the most hard-lined Republicans and Democrats can work toward happiness together by making complex matters of the heart simple.

Change up the way you argue about hot button topics or what news channel to watch – new communication skills are the key to better relationships.

When you communicate in a positive, workable way, your relationship with your lover, kids and friends moves in a positive direction and become more pleasant.

Having your point of view understood and then validated creates a truce between the sexes and builds Olson’s “Three C’s” of love: Chemistry, Compatibility and Commitment.

52 Responses

Gina, great comments in #45 – I agree, that IKTIM should direct that anger into DOING something POSITIVE instead of spending his or her day spewing hatred on the TU blogs. If you’re so ticked (and he/she most certainly is – just look over some other blogs) then DO SOMETHING!!!!

Christine V – Someone might actually be “DOING something” when they grab on to the shoulders of someone who is clueless, shakes them to conscientiousness and yells, WAKE UP in their face. That you would rather live with your delusional perceptions of what is actually going on, IS NOT MY FAULT, nor do I feel that what is really going on in the world would be served by doing what your controllers want, by shutting up about it. We have a nation of people who have no clue about what is about to happen in the world and would rather pretend it isn’t going to happen. I’m sorry if it offends you, but it is absolutely necessary to point out that a small group of people are manipulating you for no other purpose than to protect their selfish interests and outside of how you can be manipulated to serve those interests, you don’t matter to them one tiny little bit.